Housing is far more than 'protection from the elements'. Housing is a complex product and process with social, economic, and environmental implications for individuals, families/households and communities. The course will assist students in developing an understanding of and appreciation for the complexity of housing, both consumption and production, through surveying topics that include defining housing; the housing continuum; residential design and construction; housing tenure (renting and owning); affordable housing; the housing industry; government policies; and housing challenges in the 21st century.